Sport
Countdown to London 2012: Yohan Blake takes 100 meters in 9.85 at Lucerne
Yohan Blake wins in Lucerne. PHOTO/Urs Flueeler/AP
Yohan Blake warmed up for the London Olympics by finishing in 9.85 seconds to win the 100 meters Tuesday in his first competitive race since beating Usain Bolt twice at the Jamaican Olympic trials.
Blake was far from the fastest out of the blocks but powered through the field with legal wind assistance of 1.6 meters per second. Jamaica teammate Michael Frater was second in 10.00.
“Definitely I am on the right path for the Olympics,” the 21-year-old world champion said. “This is where I am supposed to be. I want to remain unbeaten and that’s what I am doing.”
Blake chose the low-key Spitzen Leichtathletik meet to make what is expected to be his only appearance between the trials and the London Games.
He is scheduled to open his Olympic program when the 100 heats start August 4.
Blake lowered the Lucerne record of 9.86 set by fellow Jamaican Nesta Carter two years ago.
“I got the meet record, which is wonderful,” Blake said. “I didn’t come here to run a quick time but it’s still a fast time. Not many guys run 9.85.”
